Heyuan Garden

Situated within Yangzhou's historic center, Heyuan Garden was designed during the Qing Dynasty. Named for its original owner, He Zhidao, the garden possesses elements of a classical Chinese garden, as well as unique elements that distinguish it among Yangzhou's many gardens.

An eastern, western, and southern section composes the garden's overall structure. In the eastern garden a rockery weaves along a hexagonal pavilion once used to entertain visitors. In the southern section a lush nursery contains Peony blossoms, China's national flower. Small houses and pavilions are scattered throughout the western garden, surrounding a central pavilion and rockery that was once home to Zhidao, the garden’s owner. Although the southern garden is significantly smaller than the eastern and western sections, it is uniquely differentiated by the use of distinct yellow rocks not found in Yangzhou's other gardens.

While Heyuan Garden is designed following the traditional structure of Chinese classical gardens, two distinct features distinguish it among the rest. In the western section a winding wooden pathway connects each building to one another. Within each house throughout the garden, a western-style fireplace can be found, along with a number of other aspects of western culture, signifying an integration of western influence in traditional Chinese architecture. Within the homes can also be found a collection of calligraphy, paintings, and poetry created by well-known artists and writers.